Skip to Content

Not a member yet?

Listerhill Credit Union is a nonprofit financial cooperative improving lives in our community.

If you live in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Florida, or Tennessee, you are eligible to become a member. Depending on your individual eligibility, we may require membership into an approved association at no cost to you.

You can also qualify for membership by being a family member of a current or potential Listerhill member.

With only $5, you can join Listerhill today and start taking advantage of a lifetime membership.

HOLIDAY

All branches will be self-service only Monday, October 9th, for Columbus Day. Normal business hours will resume Tuesday, October 10th. Smart ATMs and Online and Mobile Banking will remain available.

Wallet With Cards

How To Choose A Credit Card That's Right For You

Determining how to choose the right credit card comes down to understanding your spending habits, card features, and more.

There’s never been a better time to be in the market for a credit card. New offerings provide borrowers with everything from lucrative rewards to low-interest rates!

When you’re ready, it’s important to take a step-by-step approach to determine how to choose a credit card for your needs.

Step 1: Why do you want the card?

Before looking at available options, consider what you hope to gain from using a credit card. You may want to use it for general spending, to earn rewards, or to consolidate other credit cards into one. Once you have an idea of what you want to use it for, it’s time to take a deeper dive into your spending habits.

Step 2: Consider your spending habits

Most people recognize that paying off a balance in full each month is the best scenario, but that’s not always what happens. If you plan to carry a balance, you’ll want to choose a credit card with a low-interest rate. In these situations, that’s often the most important feature.

If you do plan to pay off the balance each month, that opens the door for earning rewards and cash back. These rewards build whenever you make a purchase. Credit cards offer various versions including those that give you cash back each month, travel rewards, and even discounts on shopping trips or gift cards. Learn more about the features of our credit cards here.

Step 3: Determine where you spend money

Some credit cards offer bonus points and rewards when you spend more in certain categories. A few allow you to choose different categories from specific areas each month. Your goal is to align the card rewards programs with the things you spend money on the most.

For example, some offer bigger rewards when you use them to purchase gas or groceries. Others give discounts when you use them to buy airline tickets. Choose an area to focus on based on where you frequently spend money. That way, you’re earning more rewards.

Step 4: Analyze the card’s features and terms

Before moving further, it’s important to consider all of a card’s features, not just rewards offered. The more you know about a card, the better. Here are some common features and how they may impact your decision:

APR

In nearly all situations, you want to consider the APR or annual percentage rate. That’s the amount of interest you’ll pay to use the card. The lowest possible APR means you’ll spend less to borrow. APR is often linked to your creditworthiness, such as your credit history and score.

Annual fees

Some credit cards charge a set amount of money each year as an annual fee. Others do not require this. Annual fees are more common for those with lower credit scores or a lack of credit history.

Other fees

Look for other fees, such as application fees. It is also worth looking at what happens when you miss a payment. Late fees are common, but they will vary from one card to the next.

Credit qualifications

Sometimes, credit card companies will tell you what credit score they are looking for in an applicant. Third-party sites can also give you some insight here. Do you have the credit to qualify for the card?

Grace period

The grace period is the time you have to pay off the balance you’ve charged before interest applies. Some offer a longer grace period than others.

Bonuses

Some credit card lenders offer sign-up bonuses. That may mean you can sign up for the card, use it for the specific amount within the allotted time, and earn discounts or savings when you do. Compare these offers to see which may be best for your needs. Others will match their cashback offer or double it for the first year.

Step 5: Which type of credit card fits you best?

Taking a step back for a moment, remember that not all people will pay off their balance in full each month – in fact, most do not. That’s okay, but it also means there are a few other things to consider when researching how to choose a credit card. One of those has to do with the type of card itself. Here are a few common options and what they can offer.

Balance transfer credit cards

This type of card is ideal if you want to move all of your balances into one place. Some offer a zero percent introductory offer. If you pay off the balance in the set amount of time (usually 12 to 18 months) there’s no applicable interest.

Student credit cards

If you have no credit history, student credit cards can provide you with a good starting point. They are designed to help you build a strong credit score if you make payments consistently and over time.

Credit union credit cards

Don’t just shop for a credit card through the big names. Some of the best credit card offers are those available through your local financial institution.

Your credit union, for example, has worked with you, knows your reliability, and can help you get a great credit card. Listerhill Credit Union offers several credit card options, including those with rewards, for members.

How To Choose A Credit Card For Current & Future Spending

Remember that there is a large range of credit card options when it comes to requirements, perks, etc. If you don’t qualify for the best credit card today, that’s okay! Use the current card you’ve selected wisely, making payments on time every month. That will boost your credit score and set you up for the approval of more attractive card offers in the future.

default icon for Solution Finder Intro
What can we help you with?
default icon for Checking For Mature Members
What are you borrowing for?
default icon for Checking For Mature Members
Vehicle Options
default icon for Checking For Mature Members
Home Options
default icon for Carrolls
What are you saving for?
default icon for Carrolls
How old are your kids?
default icon for Cord
Which of these banking options are you interested in?
default icon for Cord
How old are you (or your child)?
default icon for Cord
How old are you?
default icon for Cord
What kind of account are you looking for?
search popup background

What are you looking for?

Common Links

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the Listerhill Credit Union service area?

    We offer membership to people who live, work, worship, or attend school in northwest Alabama and south-central Tennessee. Community donations are available to nonprofits based within these areas.

  • What kinds of causes do you tend to support?

    We aim to support a wide range of non-profit organizations that are contributing to community development and enrichment in our focus areas. Your nonprofit may be eligible to receive a donation for things like improving schools, boosting economic development, helping underserved communities with food or clothing, or even providing affordable housing.

  • When should I submit my request for community donations?

    Requests must be submitted at least two weeks in advance of the time when you need the funds or prior to the event you are fundraising for.

    This is because our socially responsible investment strategy requires that we have time to go over each request and make sure we are using the credit union's community donations in the most impactful way.

  • I'm having technical difficulties. Who should I contact?

    Please contact us at listerhill.com/support, using our chat bubble in the bottom right corner or by calling us at 256-383-9204 for assistance.

  • Can I use ClickSWITCH to switch my bill payments?

    Since bill payments are not automatically recurring, you're not able to use ClickSWITCH for them.